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Walters gives Indians power potential

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Walters' RBI double 0:27

7/25/14: Zach Walters rips a double to right field to score Bryce Harper, opening the scoring and giving the Nationals a 1-0 lead

By Alec Shirkey
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MLB.com |

CLEVELAND -- Where the Indians lost a well-traveled veteran in dealing Asdrubal Cabrera to the Nationals on Thursday, they gained a versatile, young infielder with intriguing power potential in Zach Walters.

Walters, 24, began his professional career as a ninth-round Draft pick of the Diamondbacks in 2010, but he has spent his last four seasons in the Nationals organization. The switch-hitter has split time between Triple-A Syracuse, where he hit .300/.358/.608 with 15 home runs, and the big league club this year.

Walters hit 29 home runs over a full season with Syracuse in 2013 and has lined up at a number of different positions, including second base, third base, shortstop and left field.

""That's certainly one of his defining attributes -- his power -- especially for a middle infielder," general manager Chris Antonetti said on Thursday. "He's a guy that hit 29 home runs in Triple-A last year and is off to another strong performance this year at Triple-A. That's certainly a big part of his skillset, in addition to his versatility."

The Indians have optioned Walters to Triple-A Columbus and expect him to primarily play second base. He will also have the opportunity to contribute at other positions.

Alec Shirkey is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.